Expansion of IVN over past years: New Technology and Expanding OpportunitiesPosted on 10/10/2013

The expansion of classrooms with interactive video technology has played a significant role in the growth of Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB). DCB now has nine IVN (interactive video network) classrooms, allowing for classes to be either sent to or received from distant sites. Large screen televisions, sophisticated audio equipment, and a comprehensive network allow "real time" interaction among the teacher and students.

During the fall 2013 semester, 36 DCB classes are being sent, via IVN, to distant sites and 23 classes are being received from other college campuses. This technology allows students at a distant site such as Valley City to take a course from DCB; it also allows students enrolled at DCB the ability to take a course from a distant site such as Williston.

IVN also allows DCB to collaborate with high schools to offer dual credit courses, courses for which the student receives both high school and college credit. During the fall 2013 semester, DCB is sending seven college classes to sixteen participating high schools. High schools as far away as LaMoure have students enrolled in DCB courses.

DCB strives to be a leader in IVN technology. DCB was the first campus in the North Dakota University System to have a high definition (HD) IVN classroom and now has eight HD IVN classrooms. In addition, Smart Technologies with interactive whiteboards are available in seven of the IVN classrooms. Having advanced technologies and equipment allows for DCB to extend quality education and unique programs to more students.

Michael O'Toole, DCB Distance Education Coordinator, says "IVN has been beneficial to DCB in multiple ways. One of the many benefits has been the ability it provides for DCB to reach out to high school students with dual credit courses. It allows those students to start building a relationship with DCB. Another great benefit is that it provides students on our campus the opportunity to take certain courses offered from other campuses."

For questions about IVN classes, contact Michael O'Toole at 1-888-918-5623 or michael.otoole@dakotacollege.edu.